The best walks and hikes around Salt Lake City
4.6
(55)
1,316
hikers
111
hikes
Hiking around Salt Lake City is defined by its proximity to the Wasatch Mountains, offering diverse terrain from urban foothills to high-altitude alpine environments. The region features numerous canyons, including Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, which contain alpine lakes, waterfalls, and dense forests. Many trails are accessible within minutes of the city center, providing a range of options from gentle paths to challenging mountain ascents. This geographical setting allows for varied hiking experiences across different elevations and landscapes.
Best hiking trails around Salt Lake City
- The most popular hiking route is Living Room Lookout Trail, a 2.6 miles (4.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This moderate path is known for its steep, rocky ascent and panoramic views of the city.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Jack's Mailbox Peak loop — Foothills Natural Area, a moderate 2.3 miles (3.6 km) path. This route through the Foothills Natural Area offers varied terrain.
- Local hikers also love the Capitol grounds and Ensign Peak loop — Salt Lake City, Utah, a 9.9 miles (15.9 km) trail leading through urban foothills, often completed in about 4 hours 40 minutes.
- Hiking around Salt Lake City is defined by the dramatic Wasatch Mountains, lush Cottonwood Canyons, and accessible urban foothill trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to strenuous mountain climbs.
- The routes in Salt Lake City are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 1,200 hikers have used komoot to explore Salt Lake City's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
75
hikers
2.87km
00:45
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
39
hikers
2.60km
00:40
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
14
hikers
7.06km
03:11
620m
610m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(2)
14
hikers
4.50km
01:41
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(2)
9
hikers
9.76km
02:59
340m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Salt Lake City
Tips from the Community
Wonderful viewpoint on the Mount Wire trail
2
0
Mount Wire (also known as Wire Mountain or Big Beacon[3]) is a mountain located on the east side of Salt Lake City, Utah with an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m). The mountain is named after Lester Wire, an American policeman of Salt Lake City, Utah, who in 1912 developed the first red-green electric traffic light.[4] Mount Wire is a common spot for adventurous hikers and has many access trails, some created by nearby Red Butte Gardens. The east side of the University of Utah offers direct access to trails to the summit. Mount Wire formerly could be identified from other nearby mountains by its two passive microwave repeaters near the summit. These billboard like structures were used to bounce microwave signals over the mountain to the north-eastern parts of Utah. Mount Wire also houses an old airway beacon directly on the summit. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wire
3
1
This park is 110 acres of urban tranquility, with lots of open green space, ponds, picnic pavilions, and athletic fields. It also anchors one end of Parley's Trail, a great multi-use trail that runs all the way to Parley's Historic Nature Park and the mouth of Parley's Canyon.
0
0
Red Butte is a great spot to look out over North Salt Lake, especially around dusk.
0
0
This small summit is home to an old airway beacon. You can climb the ladder to the top to get a great view of the Salt Lake area!
0
0
This is the oldest park in Salt Lake City. It has an ADA-accessible playground; basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and bocce ball courts; plus barbecue grills, a gazebo, a picnic pavilion, water fountains, walking and running trails, and even a swimming pool.
1
0
Although Ensign Peak is diminutive compared to the surrounding ridgelines and mountains, it is beautifully situated to give you views over Salt Lake City and the valley — especially at sunrise or sunset.
4
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 80 distinct routes documented. These range from easy strolls to more challenging mountain ascents, catering to all skill levels.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in Salt Lake City?
Yes, Salt Lake City provides many easy and family-friendly options. There are over 30 easy routes available. For a gentle, shaded experience close to the city, the City Creek Canyon Trail is a great choice, following a mountain stream. Another popular option for families is the trail to Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon, known for its unique waterfall.
Which trails offer panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the surrounding area?
For stunning panoramic views, consider the Living Room Lookout Trail, which provides expansive city vistas after a steep ascent. The Capitol grounds and Ensign Peak loop also offers excellent city views, particularly from Ensign Peak. Additionally, the View of Salt Lake City from Mount Wire is a highly rated viewpoint accessible via the Mount Wire and Red Butte loop.
Are there any hiking trails with waterfalls near Salt Lake City?
Absolutely! The Cottonwood Canyons are particularly known for their waterfalls. Bell's Canyon offers dramatic waterfalls, leading to Lower Falls. Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon is a unique and family-friendly destination where the waterfall cascades through a donut-hole shaped rock formation. Red Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon also rewards hikers with a waterfall along its rugged trail.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Salt Lake City?
Many trails in the Salt Lake City area are dog-friendly, though regulations can vary by specific canyon or park. Neff's Canyon, accessible from the East Bench, is a popular moderate hike that welcomes dogs. Always check local signage or specific trail guidelines before heading out with your pet, especially in protected watershed areas like Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, where restrictions may apply.
What kind of natural attractions or landmarks can I expect to see while hiking?
Hiking around Salt Lake City offers access to diverse natural and man-made attractions. You can explore alpine lakes like Lake Blanche, Red Pine Lake, and the trio of Lake Mary, Martha & Catherine in the Cottonwood Canyons. Notable peaks include Jack's Mailbox Peak and the iconic Mount Olympus. For historical and urban landmarks, the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square are prominent features near some urban trails.
Are there loop trails available for hiking in Salt Lake City?
Yes, many trails in Salt Lake City are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. The Jack's Mailbox Peak loop — Foothills Natural Area is a moderate option through varied terrain. Another popular loop is the Mount Wire and Red Butte loop, which provides excellent views.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Salt Lake City?
The hiking trails around Salt Lake City are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 50 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the incredible proximity of diverse trails to the city, the stunning mountain vistas, and the variety of options from easy walks to challenging ascents. The well-maintained paths and access to natural beauty, including alpine lakes and wildflowers, are also commonly highlighted.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Salt Lake City?
Hiking in the Salt Lake City area is enjoyable across all seasons due to its diverse terrain. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with wildflowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for higher-altitude trails in the Cottonwood Canyons, such as Albion Basin to Cecret Lake, which is especially popular in July and August for its wildflower displays. Even winter offers unique experiences, with many lower-elevation trails remaining accessible for snowshoeing or winter hiking.
How accessible are the trailheads from downtown Salt Lake City?
One of the key advantages of hiking in Salt Lake City is the remarkable proximity and accessibility of its trails. Many spectacular trailheads, including those for City Creek Canyon, Ensign Peak, and parts of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, are just 20 to 30 minutes from downtown, allowing for quick transitions from urban comforts to mountain adventures.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers near Salt Lake City?
Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Salt Lake City offers several strenuous options. The ascent to Mount Olympus is an iconic and demanding climb, rewarding hikers with spectacular views from its 4,000-foot summit above the city. The Living Room Lookout Trail is also known for its steep and rocky ascent, providing a good workout with a great payoff.
Most popular routes around Salt Lake City
Most popular attractions around Salt Lake City
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
